Behind the Martial Arts Hall.
Yi Feng sat on a stool, bored as he chatted idly with Wu Yonghong's three disciples while they worked.
Just then, the dog lying at Yi Feng's feet let out several loud sneezes.
"When a dog sneezes, it means it's going to rain!"
Yi Feng sighed unconsciously as he uttered an ancient proverb from his past life. He then got up and went into the Martial Arts Hall, rummaging through a pile of junk to find a tattered umbrella.
"Take this umbrella, you three. That way you'll be prepared in case it really does rain!" Yi Feng tossed the umbrella to Wu Yonghong's three disciples.
Wu Yonghong's three disciples looked at Yi Feng in shock.
And he was just casually tossing it to them?
"Master, this is such a precious item. It doesn't seem right to just give it to us so casually," Wu Yonghong said awkwardly.
Yi Feng laughed helplessly. "How is this tattered old thing considered precious? It's just a broken umbrella. Since you're helping me with chores, you should have an umbrella in case it rains. What's the big deal?"
"Just...a broken umbrella?"
Wu Yonghong's three disciples were shocked.
This was an imperial-grade treasure! Even though they each had some as well, those were put away and seldom used. Yet in Master's eyes, it was worthless junk?
But then again, the tools they were using for farm work were saint-grade treasures. Imperial treasures probably really were nothing to Master.
Still, whether it was the old saying coming true or not, the sky did gradually darken.
It looked like rain was imminent.
Knowing Master could easily make it rain with a thought, Wu Yonghong still couldn't help asking, "You gave us the umbrella, but what will you use, Master?"
Yi Feng smiled. These old men were so cute.
It was just a broken umbrella. If he really needed one, he could easily buy a new one anywhere.
So he said to the old men with a smile, "Don't worry about me. I'll naturally have one when I need it."
"Naturally have one?"
The old men looked at each other. They felt like Master's words had some deeper meaning that they couldn't grasp.
But the meaning eluded them, so they didn't think on it further. They accepted the umbrella with some hesitation. "Thank you, Master."
They gave their respects.
Looking up at the darkening sky, they knew even in this autumn weather, rain was not guaranteed. So Yi Feng did not hurry inside either. Instead, he took out his guitar, wanting to improve his "Chord" mastery level.
After all, he could chat with these old men while playing here, and maybe earn some praise if he played well. That was much better than lying in the Martial Arts Hall staring at the wall.
He thought for a moment, then slowly played a song from his past life called "Farewell."
As soon as Yi Feng's music filled the air, Wu Yonghong's disciples, who were hoeing the fields, shook violently. Their heated gazes snapped to Yi Feng.
"Contains such potent musical intent!"
Wu Yonghong's disciples stared with wide eyes. Even though they knew nothing of music, they could sense the profound meaning in the sounds.
At the same time, Lu DaSheng, who was hauling fertilizer, slammed on the brakes. He didn't even care that he nearly fell face first into the manure pile. His gaze shot to Yi Feng.
In that moment, everyone stopped what they were doing. They stood frozen, not even daring to breathe loudly for fear of disturbing the music.
For a long, long time...
Yi Feng's fingers finally stilled on the guitar strings.
Wu Yonghong's disciples lingered in the aftermath, looks of utmost reverence on their faces. Through the music they had gained insights into their mental state, martial arts techniques, and more.
Being with Master was truly wonderful!
Not only did they each have saint-grade treasures, but they also received occasional boons like imperial treasures, musical insights, and so on from Master.
Compared to Wu Yonghong's gratification, Lu DaSheng almost cried.
The others got to do easy work for Master and received all kinds of rewards. Meanwhile, he got the most bitter, tiring, filthy job of hauling manure day after day with no benefits.
He had finally gained a tiny reward by tagging along.
It gave him the long-awaited feeling of perseverance leading to success. He was so moved he could cry!
"Master's music was truly shocking and left us with endless aftertaste, unable to stop ourselves from sinking into it!"
"Yes, being able to hear Master play a song is the greatest blessing for us."
Wu Yonghong's disciples couldn't help but voice more words of praise to Yi Feng.
"Now now, settle down," Yi Feng waved his hand. Though he didn't mean to show off, their recognition of his playing did please him.
"Ding: Congratulations, your Chord mastery has reached Peerless in the World!"
Just then, the system's voice sounded in his mind, delighting Yi Feng slightly.
Constant effort pays off. After practicing for so many days, he had finally leveled up!
Time to play a few more songs!
Yi Feng thought to himself as he pondered which song he should play next.
But just then, the sky was suddenly shrouded in a dense, ominous aura. At the same time, two figures with formidable auras descended from the sky.
Soon, they hovered above the Martial Arts Hall.